On Thursday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form and pushed higher. The benchmark index rose 0.1% to 7,511.1 points.
Will the market be able to build on this on Friday? Here are five things to watch:
ASX 200 futures pointing slightly higher
The Australian share market could end the week on a positive note. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 4 points higher this morning. This follows a very strong night on Wall Street, which saw the Dow Jones rise 0.8%, the S&P 500 climb 0.6%, and the Nasdaq storm 0.8% higher.
REA Group FY 2021 results
All eyes will be on the REA Group Limited (ASX: REA) share price this morning when it releases its FY 2021 results. According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts expect a 12% increase in revenue to $915 million and a 20% jump in EBITDA to $571 million. The latter is ahead of the market consensus estimate of $560 million. On the bottom line, a 27% increase in net profit after tax to $343 million is expected. Goldman has a buy rating and $198.00 price target on the company's shares.
Oil prices rise
Energy producers such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) could end the week on a solid note after oil prices pushed higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 1.6% to US$69.22 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 1.4% to US$71.36 a barrel. Oil prices rose amid tensions in the Middle East.
ResMed Q4 and full year update
The ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) share price will be one to watch today following the release of its fourth quarter and full year update. The sleep treatment focused medical device company has reported an 8% increase in full year to US$3.2 billion and a 13% jump in non-GAAP net income to US$780.6 million.
Gold price falls
Gold miners Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) and St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) will be on watch after the gold price dropped overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 0.4% to US$1,806.70 an ounce. Traders were selling gold amid concerns that the US Fed could begin tapering its asset purchases later this year.
